Old Dhaka's monkeys are fighting for survival. There were once many more of them, but urbanisation, noise pollution, human pressure and a shortage of food have cut their numbers sharply.

Living alongside people for so long, they have adapted to the urban environment and learned skills such as entering homes and kitchens to find food. But for lack of food many are malnourished and in very poor physical condition.

Regular food and clean water must now be provided to conserve them. Supplying food in safe, fixed places would reduce conflict with people and improve their chances of survival. The authorities concerned need to play a more active and consistent role. Monkeys also matter greatly for scientific research, biodiversity conservation and ethical responsibility. So effective steps must be taken now to protect these animals, which are part of Old Dhaka's heritage; otherwise their numbers may fall further.

So said Abdullah Al Masud, professor of zoology at Jagannath University, in an interview with Jago News staff reporter Md Ashikuzzaman Ashik. Monkeys can still be seen in and around Gandaria graveyard in Old Dhaka.

Jago News: Why is there so much discussion about Old Dhaka's monkeys now? What state are they in?

Abdullah Al Masud: Old Dhaka's monkeys are going through a crisis of survival. Their numbers were once relatively high, but they have fallen a lot. My estimate is that there may be around 100 to 200 monkeys in the whole area. Urbanisation, human pressure, noise pollution and food shortages have made their lives hard. Many monkeys are seen suffering from malnutrition; without enough food their bodies have become extremely thin. So this is now not just a matter of animal conservation but of protecting biodiversity.

Jago News: Many people call Old Dhaka's monkeys "city monkeys". Why?

Abdullah Al Masud: Living near people for so long, they have adapted to city life. They are very intelligent animals. They often get into people's homes, can push doors open and even open the lids of rice and lentil tins in kitchens. In other words, they have acquired various behavioural skills to survive in the city. But these same things annoy people.

Jago News: People come forward for other animals. Why don't we see similar efforts for monkeys?

Abdullah Al Masud: One main reason is that the relationship between people and monkeys is relatively complicated. Dogs show loyalty to people, and cats are loved by many. But monkeys are independent-minded and take people's food when they get the chance, so people often see them negatively. Monkeys also do not usually come very close to people; being shy, they prefer to stay out of sight. For these reasons they also get less public support.

Jago News: How severe has the food crisis for Dhaka's monkeys become?

Abdullah Al Masud: It is now the biggest problem. Their natural food sources in Old Dhaka are almost gone, so they have come to depend on people. But there is no arrangement for regular food. That is why many monkeys are in very poor physical condition. You can see the malnutrition just by looking at them.

Jago News: What practical steps could be taken to protect these animals?

Abdullah Al Masud: I think the situation would improve a lot if regular food and water were provided at certain places. In particular, if food is supplied at high, safe spots, they will stay there and conflict with people will fall. Their numbers are not very large, so this is not an impossible task.

Jago News: How do you assess the role of the city corporation and the Forest Department?

Abdullah Al Masud: They need to be more active. We sometimes hear of some initiatives or allocations, but they are not carried out consistently. The most important thing in animal conservation is regular monitoring. If the work is planned, these monkeys of Old Dhaka can easily be conserved.

Jago News: Many believe monkeys can spread disease to people. How real is this fear?

Abdullah Al Masud: We call diseases transmitted from animals to people zoonotic diseases. There are such examples in various parts of the world. But in Bangladesh, and particularly from Old Dhaka's monkeys, there is no significant record of disease spreading to people. As people and monkeys usually keep a certain distance, the risk is also relatively low.

Jago News: Why is conserving monkeys important from both a scientific and an ethical point of view?

Abdullah Al Masud: Scientifically, monkeys are very important animals. They are used in various medical and biological research because they share traits close to humans. Ethically, too, we have a responsibility. We call ourselves the best of creatures, so we must also take responsibility for protecting the existence of other animals. Monkeys are an important part of nature's beauty and biodiversity. Keeping them alive means keeping nature in balance.

Jago News: Are Old Dhaka's monkeys heading for extinction?

Abdullah Al Masud: It may be too early to use the word "extinction", but they are certainly in a crisis of survival. Old Dhaka once had many more monkeys; that number has fallen considerably. I estimate there are now around 100 to 200. Urbanisation, human pressure, noise pollution and lack of food have made survival hard for them. Without proper action, their numbers may fall further.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.